What We Learned on Patch This Week

Armed Robbery at Gulfport Kwik Stop: A local business was robbed at gunpoint on Sunday, Oct. 30. Officials still need your help finding the gunman. Det. Sgt. Robert Burkhart says the suspect is about 6 feet tall with a slender build. He was wearing a black hoodie, dark pants and a silver and black bandana. "All you (could) see was his eyes," Burkhart said.

Car Chase Ends in Gulfport, St. Petersburg Teens Arrested: Two St. Petersburg teens were arrested on Saturday, Oct. 29, after a high-speed chase and crash that injured a female driver in Gulfport.

Smoking Ban Takes Effect on Gulfport Beach, Children's Play Areas: Snuff that butt! The Gulfport City Council passed the smoking ban, 5-0, Tuesday night. It takes effect immediately.

How Will Smoking Ban Be Enforced?: The smoking ban is in effect, but that doesn't mean you'll receive a citation right away.

Teen Council Offers Compromise to Smoking Ban: Three members of the Gulfport Teen Council proposed a compromise to the beach smoking ban Tuesday night. Some commended the teens, while others picked apart what they had to say.

Boca Ciega High School Celebrates New Building Completion: Boca Ciega High School's new state-of-the-art building impressed officials, community members and students. Although a six-year process from planning to completion, officials say it was worth it.

St. Petersburg Times' Name Change: What Do You Think?: Starting Jan. 1, 2012, the newspaper will be known as the Tampa Bay Times. Does that change your perception of the paper?

New in Town: Country Harvest Soap: From local vendor to store owner, Cindi Stevens shares how County Harvest came to be. And, of course, why you should stop by and say "Hi."

Economy Inn Ordered to Close: The Nuisance Abatement Board unanimously voted to fine and close the St. Petersburg motel, which has been the subject of more than 400 police calls this year.

Motel's Shutdown May Push Some to the Street: Tenants at the Economy Inn admit that illegal drug use and criminal activities are common at the motel. Many claim they have nowhere else to go.

Bankruptcy Myths Debunked: If you are considering bankruptcy, don't make these mistakes.

"Natural Therapy Dog" Uses Intuition to Help Others: Duke started life as a puppy in need, but he has grown up to help countless others through Project PUP, a nonprofit group serving the Tampa Bay area.

Photo Gallery: Pirates, Princesses and More in Kids' Costume Contest: Dozens of people of all ages celebrated All Hallow's Eve at the Gulfport Recreation Center's annual Spooktacular Halloween Bash.

Photo Gallery: Preview of "The Constant Wife": The Gulfport Community Players presents "The Constant Wife" at the Catherine Hickman Theater. Are you going?